Abstract: A cable tensioning device comprises tubular shaft having an outer threaded portion, and a handle member surrounding a portion of the shaft, with the shaft and handle member being connected in screw-threaded relation. The shaft moves longitudinally relative to the handle as the handle rotates, driven by the screw threaded connection. A gripping member is carried on the shaft distal to the handle member for holding a replaceable bit, which, in turn, may carry a cable crimp. A cable lock is positioned typically proximal of the handle member to hold the ends of cables extending through the tubular shaft. Rotation of the handle member can cause the shaft to move longitudinally to lengthen the distance between the cable lock and a crimp held by a bit which, in turn, is held by the gripping member, to impose a tension on the cable. A meter is present for measuring the amount of tension applied to the cable.

Abstract: A surgical connector for cable comprises a body having a pair of opposed ends and a first side extending between the ends. Outwardly extending projections adjacent the first side and ends may be provided to facilitate securance of the connector in a desired position. Cable-receiving bores extend from each of the ends inwardly toward each other, typically at an obtuse angle of less than 180.degree.. The bores have inner ends that communicate with a central aperture which is open to at least the side of the body which is opposed to the first side. Alternatively, the central aperture may extend entirely through the body and be open to both the first side and the opposed side. Also, a novel retention technique for cable is disclosed, for more general use, if desired.

Abstract: A link for connecting surgical rods to bone comprises a bone connector such as a bone screw or a bone hook, and a head connected to one end of the bone connector. The head defines an outwardly facing first recess for receiving a portion of a surgical rod which extends transversely of the link and occupies the first recess. A cover is proportioned to fit in a position to cover the surgical rod portion occupying the first recess. A hinge member is carried by the cover and head, to permit vertical pivoting retention between the cover and the head on one side of the recess. A closure on the cover and head is provided at a position opposed to the hinge member. Specifically, the closure may comprise aligned holes, plus a set screw to provide locking closure between the cover and head with a surgical rod extending through the first recess.

Abstract: A surgical connector for cable comprises a body having a pair of opposed ends and a first side extending between the ends. Outwardly extending projections adjacent the first side and ends may be provided to facilitate securance of the connector in a desired position. Cable-receiving bores extend from each of the ends inwardly toward each other, typically at an obtuse angle of less than 180.degree.. The bores have inner ends that communicate with a central aperture which is open to at least the side of the body which is opposed to the first side. Alternatively, the central aperture may extend entirely through the body and be open to both the first side and the opposed side. Also, a novel retention technique for cable is disclosed, for more general use, if desired.

Abstract: A method for surgically securing body parts with a cable, typically making use of crimping pliers which comprises a pair of operating handles and connected, opposed jaws. The jaws define opposed recesses for carrying and crimping a tubular crimp member by manual pressure on the operating handles. A capstan is carried on one of the handles for winding a cable which passes through a tubular crimp member carried in the jaws. By this invention surgical cable may be looped around body parts in surgical operations, and the loop may be permanently secured at a predetermined desired tension.

Abstract: A method for surgically securing body parts with a cable, typically making use of crimping pliers which comprise a pair of operating handles and connected, opposed jaws. The jaws define opposed recesses for carrying and crimping a tubular crimp member by manual pressure on the operating handles. A capstan is carried on one of the handles for winding a cable which passes through a tubular crimp member carried in the jaws. By this invention surgical cable may be looped around body parts in surgical operations, and the loop may be permanently secured at a predetermined desired tension.